BREAKING NEWS:For a long time there have been rumours about a prototype of the famous Blacktron "Alienator" that was meant to be part of the first line of space exploration vehicles from Stardate 1979. Now a private collector who wants to remain anonymous has got his hands on the original data. And not only that, he has also found a special workshop to build a prototype. The working title of this prototype according to the data is "Alien Planet Explorator", a possible origin of the name "Alienator". These are the first exclusive photos...

The vehicle is a mobile sensor array for ground analysis. Every "foot" of the vehicle contains a lot of different sensors. With every step of the vehicle a new area of the ground is analysed.

The front part of the vehicle can be seperated from the main section and be used as a scooter. The rear section can analyse the ground autonomically. The operator returns when necessary to analyse data or for repairs.

The rear section can be entered via the opening roof. There is a main computer console for the further processing of the collected data.

With the roof closed a small sealed room with a controlled environment is created for the astronaut.

By moving the big cushion the working chair can be converted into a bunk.

Some additional photos...

Parts count, the easy way:
Ten rows with ten parts each = 100 parts.

And now for the alternative models:

Alternative 1
A small communication outpost with a little monorail

Alternative 2
A one man scout ship

There were some bricks left, so I added a flood light.
You never know when you need one ;-)).

So this is my contibution to the Classic Space pocket Money Contest 3, the Lego 898 "Alien Planet Explorator". I hope you like it as much as I do :-)).

And before I forget it: Thanks to you, David and David, for this wonderful contest! :-))

Bonus photos:
1) My "1979" model compared to the Blacktron "Alienator"
So, which one is the original? ;-))

Design: It’s the alienator is CS colours, a design classic made better in my opinion. (9) Alternatives: All three builds are of a high quality. The triple dishes on the base are great. (8) Playability: The bunk and walking motion are two super features. Take a stroll, take a nap, happy spaceman. (8) Innovation: Its so CS and referential, I have to score low here on the going new places ground. (4)

I like it

Kevin Yoo

January 30, 2015

Such great models, a retro walker, monorail outpost, and spaceship- you really captured the essence of Classic Space.

I like the colour blocking on this model, with the space scooter in grey and the base unit being blue. The wheelbase (leg-base?) looks right for the size of the machine too. Perhaps the sides of the blue unit are a bit "slabby" but with limited parts greebles are a luxury. 7 A super pair of alternative builds, which contrast nicely with each other and the main build. I like how you used ALL of the bricks on the second alternative. Neat ship too. Great to see a base, complete with a monorail, as an alternative build. Both builds look strong and playable. 9 A strong build with good functionality. The walking mechanism is the same robust one as the official "Alienator" from 1988. I like the simple way that the space scooter attaches to the base. It's easy to use and strong and a very 1980s solution. Being able to reconfigure the inside of the blue module is a nice bonus too. 9 The back story is a neat idea and it's a good innovation to combine components that we've seen across the official Lego Space themes into one machine. I think to score more points in this category the machine needs to have a novel purpose, such as Marc dZ's similar Blactron Ambulance. 6 Total 31

CS at its finest! All three models are great, no exceptions. I love the walker with, the ship is true to the original designs and my fav is the 'lazy spaceman's' monorail! Seeing those three pics below eachother you could easily imagine a little story like "oh darn I'm getting noisy images again, lemme fix that. *takes seat"...'Shoop!' to the other side. Tinkers with the dishes. 'There, done'. 'Shoop!' back to the cabin to watch some black & white TV. Good fun Nils ;)

Wow, so this is absolutely what the original set from the 1970s like. Alone the slider from the main set reminds very strongly of the set 885 of 1979. Both alternatives as well as the main set very classic. Of course my thing :). Remains for me only the question as to when I can buy the set. Gigantic Nils

OK this is hard core classic! If this contest was just about nailing the old vibe of cs, you have smashed it out of the ball park with all three varients here. I'd probably give you first place if I was judging. Great entry here :)

Wow nils! These look and feel right from the era classic space became known to the world, these are fantastic builds with a beautiful selection of classic parts from the original sets. I really love the 3rd alternate spaceship, so reminiscent of set 918! Good luck in the contest.

Very neat. I'm not much of a space fan, but I thought I might check this out. You've done a pretty good job to create a model that can also be turned into two more. I like it! Keep up the great work, Nils!